"You become unpopular", Van der Vaart continues criticism of Lamine Yamal

Former Real Madrid and Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart has responded to Lamine Yamal after the 17-year-old made a pointed ironic remark against him.

During Spain's Nations League victory on penalties over the Netherlands, after a 5-5 aggregate draw, Lamine Yamal dedicated his celebration and a social media post to Van der Vaart's criticism of him.

Van der Vaart had pointed out after the first leg that Ajax defender Jorrel Hato had 'pocketed' the 17-year-old. Although Lamine Yamal's pressure resulted in the opening goal for La Roja in Rotterdam, Van der Vaart explained that he had 'seen some things he didn't like', such as 'pants hanging down', and accused him of being overconfident.

After a brilliant goal in extra time, Yamal pulled down his shorts to celebrate and posted a picture of Van der Vaart on Instagram with a caption also directed at him. However, van der Vaart was asked about his response and it seemed he hadn't changed his mind.

"I would advise Lamine Yamal not to worry so much about what an overweight former player says," van der Vaart replied in Ziggo Sport.

"At 17, with so much praise, you think the world revolves around you. It's happened to all of us, but it's not like that. Football is fun, but not important. If you think you're some kind of God, you become unpopular," the Dutchman concluded. /Telegraph/